Magnetic Resonance Lymphography

Magnetic resonance lymphography or lymphangiography (MRL) can visualize both the deep and superficial lymphatic systems by injecting a gadolinium-based contrast agent intra- or subcutaneously instead of intravenously. This imaging technique is reportedly effective in staging lymphedema and identifying the target lymphatic vessels for lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA). MRL and indocyanine green lymphography (ICG-L) are complementary imaging modalities for LVA surgery. ICG-L has a high sensitivity for detecting lymphatic vessels, including those that are not necessarily stagnant, whereas MRL has a high specificity for detecting lymphatic vessels that are expected to impart a larger therapeutic effect in LVA.